WheelOCity: Four-wheel networks

In the last decade, the internet has become a part of every possible domain, including the automobile industry. Forums, initially, were developed to communicate with like-minded people who seek answers and information.  Car forums were conceptualised back in the 90s, when serious car portals like indiacar.com and cybersteering. com were successful in drawing a sizeable number of visitors. This gave way for car enthusiasts to come together and create forums on a better and bigger scale. In 2004, on Valentine's Day, Team-BHP went live, becoming the first independent forum on the Indian car scene.

Generally, content specific websites receive web traffic from only enthusiasts who are looking for something in particular. But car forums attract all kinds of users as they are loaded with information and knowledge about cars and their specifications. "Car forums are for any car owner (whether existing or potential), who want unbiased information from other car owners. After all, who knows a particular car better? Someone who has owned that model for five years, or a so-called expert who spends merely five hours in it?" says Rush Parekh, owner of Team-BHP.

But there is a reason why these forums are useful to all kinds of users. "Enthusiasts typically enjoy more as they not only consume the forums but contribute as well. But these forums are for anyone in the need for advice on cars. It can be for choosing the right car, getting the right accessories, finding spares, troubleshooting problems and many other things," explains Banwari Lal Sharma, AVP of marketing, Car Wale.

These forums contain discussion threads about what is new in the car market and which accessory is currently popular amongst buyers along with inquiries about car buying and selling. Manav Arya, software professional, says, "I visit car forums often, to catch up on what's happening in the Indian and international automotive world and read detailed ownership reviews about the models available. I am a car enthusiast and get input from other members about car modification and how to gain more performance out of my car. The used cars and electronics section is also a wonderful addition where I frequently find some great deals and can purchase from trusted sources who have  references from forum members."

Users also look forward to recommendations and advice on car buying.  "Our advice articles help car owners save money on ownership, get the most out of their cars and become better drivers. We stop car owners from getting fleeced by service stations and also educate them on car maintenance. We tell them which cars are reliable and, more importantly, unreliable," says Parekh. Some have mixed reactions about these car forums. Kauzian Ahura, a car forum user says that the discussions are useful for comparisons and information about cars but when it comes to recommendations, he says, "In the end, the user has to weigh down his options and decide which car he wants to buy and for that I don't find the forums useful."

As users from diverse backgrounds and all age groups find place in these forums, it is only likely that this community will see exceptional growth in the future.